Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) vs Dell 14 Plus (DB14250)
The Dell 14 Plus is the better laptop on paper: it lasts longer on a charge, has more memory and has more storage. Pick the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 only if it matters to you that it has a brighter screen.
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Key differences
- Battery life Dell 14 Plus wins
The Dell 14 Plus should last longer on a charge: it has a 64 Wh battery against 54 Wh.
- Memory Dell 14 Plus wins
The Dell 14 Plus has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Storage Dell 14 Plus wins
The Dell 14 Plus has twice the storage: 1 TB against 512 GB.
- Sharpness Dell 14 Plus wins
The Dell 14 Plus's screen is sharper: 2.5K against 2K.
- Brightness Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8's screen is brighter (600 against 300 nits), so it's easier to see near a window.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 if…
- You work near windows or outside: its screen is brighter at 600 nits.
- You like to tap, scroll and sign things on screen: it has a touchscreen.
- You plug things in: it has USB-A (for older USB accessories).
Choose the Dell 14 Plus if…
- You work away from a plug: it should last longer on a charge.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You store lots of photos, videos or games: it has 1 TB of storage.
- You read, write or edit photos a lot: its 2.5K screen makes text and images crisper.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe Dell 14 Plus leads on battery and weight and performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
Each laptop has its strengths on performance.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has a stronger AI engine, while the Dell 14 Plus has more memory and has more storage.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X2 Plus (10 Core) | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel Arc Graphics |
| AI engine (NPU) | 80 TOPS | 47 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5x | LPDDR5X-8533 |
| Maximum memory | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | Removable Gen 4 SSD | PCIe NVMe SSD |
Screen
Each laptop has its strengths on the screen.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has a brighter screen and has a touchscreen, while the Dell 14 Plus has a sharper screen.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.8" | 14" |
| Resolution | 2K (2304 x 1536) | 2.5K (2560 x 1600) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 16:10 |
| Panel | LCD | IPS |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Brightness | 600 nits | 300 nits |
| Colour range | — | 100% sRGB |
| HDR | HDR, 600 nits peak; Dolby Vision IQ support | Dolby Vision |
| Finish | — | Matte |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
Battery and size
Each laptop has its strengths on battery and weight.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is a little lighter, while the Dell 14 Plus lasts longer on a charge and is slimmer.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 20 hours | — |
| Battery capacity | 54 Wh | 64 Wh |
| Charges via | USB-C (USB4) and Surface Connect | USB-C |
| Fast charging | Fast charging supported with min. 60W USB-C PD charger or 65W Surface Power Supply (sold separately); no percentage/time claim | — |
| Weight | 1.36 kg | 1.55 kg |
| Dimensions | 301 x 220 x 17.5 mm | 314 x 226.15 x 14-16.95 mm |
| Materials | Recycled aluminium alloy enclosure (A cover and C bucket) | aluminium lid and base, plastic bezel and palmrest |
| Colour | Black | Ice Blue |
| Colours available | Black, Platinum | Ice Blue |
Ports and wireless
On ports and wireless, it comes down to what you need.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 has USB-A, while the Dell 14 Plus has HDMI.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4 (charging, data, DisplayPort 2.1), 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect (charging) | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C (DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery), 1x Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort 2.1, Power Delivery), 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x 3.5 mm universal audio jack |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | USB4 | Thunderbolt 4 |
| External displays (max) | 3 | — |
| Card reader | None | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Wi-Fi card | — | Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE201 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
Both have much the same extras.
From the keyboard to the webcam and login, there is little between them.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p | 1080p |
| Backlit keyboard | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard | Automatic backlight, Copilot key | English UK, backlit, Copilot key, no numeric keypad |
| Login | Face | Fingerprint |
| Number pad | No | No |
| Touchpad | Precision haptic touchpad with advanced haptics and adaptive touch mode | Mylar touchpad, colour-matched to chassis |
| Speakers | Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Atmos | stereo speakers, Waves MaxxAudio Pro, Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | Dual Studio Mics with voice focus | dual noise-cancelling microphones |
| Pen | No | No |
| Security | TPM 2.0, Microsoft Pluton security processor | Trusted Platform Module (TPM), fingerprint reader in power button |
Software and model
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 is ahead on software and updates.
It is newer, and the Dell 14 Plus doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8 (8th Edition) | Dell 14 Plus (DB14250) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | EP2-60925 | 1XRKR |
| Released | 2026 | 2025 |